GYM JUNKIES AND THE IRON JOURNEY

Morgan Henry and Ethan Vitale higlight their physical and mental progress through lifting weights

by Bricen Chitty, Web Director

Hoodies up, shaker bottles full of caffeine in one hand and the Kennedy barcode in the other, they make their way up the steps towards the front door mentally and physically preparing themselves. The sound of steel plates hitting each other and the smell of rubber and sweat fill the air as they scan in, music blaring in their ears as they move towards the second floor, their home for the next two hours. As they step past the final stair they start their workout, dumbell in each had, veins pumping with blood as the caffeine and other supplements circulate through their system.

With the stresses of everyday life, relationships, school, and the constantly evolving world of Covid-19, many students at PRHS have started turning to the gym to get in better shape, physically and mentally. Students like (12) Ethan Vitale and (12) Morgan “Muscle Man” they plan their exercises hours in advance.

Henry -- as he is known around campus -- have been hitting the gym consistently for a year now, and are starting to get noticed for their accomplishments.

“I’ve gotten recognized by, I’d say, 30-plus people here at the gym, especially from posts on my social media,” Henry said .

“The gym has helped me in other aspects of my life by being an outlet, it has helped teach me self discipline and commitment,” Vitale said.

It’s not about the physical change that Henry and Vitale have noticed, but also the mental aspect that has developed in their time at the gym.

THE GYM HAS HELPED ME IN OTHER ASPECTS OF MY LIFE BY BEAING AN OUTLET, IT HAS HELPED TEACH ME SELF DISCIPLINE AND COMMITMENT

ETHAN VITALE, 12

The catalyst for both Vitale’s and Henry’s gym journey started around the same time last year. They said they felt unhappy with themselves physically and mentally, so they both started going to Kennedy Club Fitness. The first few weeks were difficult to form habits and motivation, but seeing themselves physically change and improve day to day quickly became an addiction for the both of them.

MORGAN HENRY,

“I wanted to be that one percent that wanted to give all their effort into one thing and see how much you can change yourself and better yourself,” Henry said.

Vitale and Henry work out nearly every day, 12 - 14 hours a week, and averages between 30,000 - 50,000 pounds of volume. That means that every day at the gym, counting all his lifts and poundage, they are lifting 15 to 25 tons of weight over the course of their two hour workout. Their workouts are chosen specifically to target certain muscle groups, and oftentimes

This trend expands beyond just students here on campus as well. During the Covid-19 pandemic, a number of people were pushed to occupy themselves and their time, and many chose to workout as a way to stay healthy. Over Covid-19 exercise has increased by upwards of 88% according to a 13,000 person study from RunRepeat. Exercise has a number of health benefits, especially for teenagers. Exercise can help a person age better. Exercise also produces endorphins that help you feel good, sleep better, raise self-esteem, and help with depression. It also helps you lose weight and lower the risk of diseases, according to Kidshealth

Vitale and Henry strongly encourage students to embrace the gym junkie lifestyle and follow in their footsteps.

“Advice I would give to new people who want to start going to the gym, don’t worry about what people think, no one is judging you, it’s a process. Nothing comes overnight… just make the effort.” said Vitale. For Vitale and Henry, the gym is the one thing that they can always rely on to be there for them.

As Henry put it, “The gym will not wake up one day and say ‘hey I’m leaving you’. The gym will always be there for you whenever you need it. It’s not going to go away… there are really no downsides.”